Time to Talk Day - let’s get talking about mental health

Time to Talk Day is on Thursday 6 February. It's a chance for all of us to be more open about mental health – to talk, to listen, to change lives.

Time to Talk Day is the national campaign led by Time to Change which aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness by getting people to talk openly about issues that can affect us all.

Mental health problems affect 1 in 4 people every year and no one should feel ashamed. By sharing our experiences, together we can end the stigma.

We want to get more people talking than ever this year. The more conversations we have, the more myths we can bust and barriers we can break down – helping to end the isolation and shame that too many people with mental health problems are made to feel.

Download materials and resources here for your staff rooms, coffee mornings and general advice on starting a conversation with friends and family.

Myths and facts…

There are many different myths about mental health problems and they often contribute to the stigma that many people still face. It’s so important that we challenge these myths so we can understand the real facts around a mental illness.

Let’s get talking…

• Here’s Conrad sharing his story about how talking to our Assertive Outreach Team has helped him to stay well and out of hospital, giving him and his mum the freedom to enjoy their life together. Watch the full video on YouTube: http://bit.ly/AOTeam.
• Conrad’s Psychiatrist, Dr Nuwan Dissanayaka, says “Every voice is valuable in improving the lives of those with mental illness. So my hope, not just for Time to Talk Day but for the future, is that everyone feels empowered to talk, however difficult the conversation. Because it is only by speaking out that we can ever know if we will be truly heard.”
• The Time to Change website has a wealth of personal stories from people who have experienced different types of mental illness. If you or a loved one are affected by poor mental health, this is a useful place to find out more and know that you are not alone.

Where can you get help?

The Mindwell website is a single ‘go to’ place for information about mental health in Leeds funded locally by the NHS.

The website can also give you quick and easy access to:

• clear, accurate information about services in Leeds including support you can access without a referral.
• information about a range of common mental health problems such as anxiety, stress and low moods.
• self-help tools and techniques including downloadable resources, videos and animations.

MindMate is a Leeds-based website for younger people, their families and the professionals who support them. It covers emotional wellbeing and mental health issues and offers information about where support is available.

Conversation starters

Support someone you know – you don’t need to be an expert to talk about mental health, sometimes it’s as simple as a cup of tea and a chat.

Whatever the hour, every conversation, every text, every share on social media means more people are reached.